Arkansas River: Numbers Rafting Adventure & Browns Canyon

Raft wild Arkansas River rapids through Browns Canyon with lunch

You’ll feel every splash as you raft Colorado’s wild Arkansas River with a local guide: starting easy in Browns Canyon before taking on The Numbers’ relentless rapids. Expect laughter, cold water shocks, riverside lunch with your crew, and stories that stick with you long after your wetsuit dries.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Browns Canyon National Monument3h
2. Arkansas River2h

Full day rafting on Arkansas River

• Arrive at outpost 45 minutes early
• Shop at retail store
• Paddle through Browns Canyon National Monument
• Raft on Arkansas River

The experience

The first thing that hit me was how cold the water felt seeping into my borrowed river shoes: like a quick slap to wake up my feet. We were standing at the edge of the Arkansas River, somewhere near Browns Canyon, and our guide, Mike, was already grinning like he knew what we were in for. He asked if we’d ever done “The Numbers” before. I shook my head and tried to look braver than I felt. The river looked restless, all white streaks and noise.

I remember the way the sun kept ducking behind clouds, then bursting out again: making the canyon walls glow for a second before everything went grayish. Paddling through Browns Canyon was actually kind of peaceful at first. Mike pointed out a hawk circling overhead (I almost missed it because I was busy trying not to drop my paddle). Then came the rapids: one after another, barely time to breathe between them. The Numbers section is no joke. There’s this moment when you’re just holding on and laughing because you can’t do anything else. I got smacked in the face by a wave and swallowed half the river, but honestly? I loved it.

Lunch happened somewhere along a gravel bar: sandwiches, chips, hands still shaking a bit from adrenaline. Someone spilled mustard on their wetsuit. Nobody cared. Mike told stories about guiding here for years and how spring melt changes everything overnight. It made me realize how alive this place is, always shifting under your boat. By the end, I was soaked and exhausted and weirdly proud of myself for not falling out (though I came close). Even now, sometimes when I hear rushing water anywhere else, it takes me right back there.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary rafting equipment (PFDs, helmets, paddles), a full wetsuit package to keep you comfortable in any weather, certified professional guides leading you down both Browns Canyon and The Numbers sections of the Arkansas River, state parks use fees and land access charges covered up front, and lunch served right along the riverbank before heading back out for more rapids.

Before you book

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (15 to 65 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by American Adventure Expeditions

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Numbers rafting trip on the Arkansas River?

This is a full-day adventure starting near Browns Canyon National Monument on Colorado’s Arkansas River.

Is lunch included during the Numbers rafting tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

What should I wear for rafting The Numbers?

You’ll get a wetsuit package (wetsuit, splash jacket, river shoes), but dress appropriately for changing weather conditions.

Do I need prior rafting experience for this tour?

No prior experience is required but travelers should be physically fit and ready for challenging rapids.

What age do you have to be to raft The Numbers?

You must be at least 15 years old to join this trip.

Where does the rafting trip start?

The adventure begins at an outpost near Browns Canyon National Monument on Colorado’s Arkansas River.

Are guides certified on this Arkansas River rafting tour?

Yes, all guides are certified professionals familiar with local conditions.

Is transportation provided to the starting point?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are available nearby.